Do You Remember This Southern Utah Giant? He’s Valuable

The Preservation of Giant Fiberglass Statues 

In 2011 Joel Baker had some fun researching the giant fiberglass figures that started being made in the 1960s to advertise business locations. He calls these American Giants or the Muffler Men. What started as something he was curious about, became a passion. 

Today he has a website, and YouTube channel where he, along with others, hunts down the remaining giants and tries to preserve them. Interest has grown and collectors are buying and preserving these eye-catching giants of times past. 

The Giant That Stood in Southern Utah 

One of the figures listed on his site is the Paul Bunyan that stood on St. George Boulevard near the I-15 on ramp. It was purchased from another town in Utah by McKnight Sporting Goods in the 70s who would dress it as Santa every Christmas. 

Later the building was purchased by a motorcycle shop and then a car stereo place and the Bunyan was painted with those respective logos.

These Bunyans are similar. I tried to find a picture of it from the early 90s in St. George but came up short.

When the building was sold the tall dude disappeared from its spot looking over Southern Utah. No one was sure where it went. Turns out it was sold to a collector who took it to Connecticut. It was last seen gathering dust in a shed behind a business there. 

Read More: Check Out Rare Footage of St. George Utah 1980’s

I forgot the giant even existed until my friend Ryan mentioned it when we were driving by where he used to stand on the Boulevard. Now I feel like something is missing. Maybe it is time he came back home to St. George.